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One of the most important questions which usually comes up when the engagement is announced between a couple, is ‘Who is going to be in charge of paying for the wedding?’ When it comes to traditional weddings, the majority of the expenses for the wedding were paid for either by the bride, or by the bride’s family. However, in more modern times such as today, there is another popular approach that involves dividing all of the wedding’s costs up between both the bride and the groom, and between each set of parents as well. The following is meant to be a list of the traditional guidelines that governed how the wedding would have been paid for in the past. The best part about this list is the fact that it can easily be adapted to suit the personal needs and preferences of the bride and groom and their families as needed.

The Bride and the Bride’s Family –

- Any items that need to be rented.
- Accommodations for anyone who is coming to the wedding from out of town.
- Wedding Gifts for the bridesmaids.
- Costs for the ceremony, such as the church fee.
- Decorations for the ceremony.
- Entertainment Costs, such as for the DJ, a Band, Musical Instruments and so on.
- Wedding Favors
- Flowers, including the bridesmaids’ bouquets, the corsages and the ceremony flowers.
- Gratuities such as tips for various services.
- Wedding gifts and ring for the groom.
- The Guest Book.
- Mailing expenses, announcements, thank you cards and wedding invitations.
- Wedding Photographer.
- Any items that are printed, such as napkins and matchbooks.
- Wedding Programs.
- Costs for the reception, such as the hall fee.
- The videographer.
- The breakfast before the wedding.
- Fees for consultants and coordinators.
- The Bride’s dress, veil and accessories.

The Groom and the Groom’s Family –

- The accessories for the men in the wedding party, including the gloves and socks.
- Any alcohol for the reception.
- Possibly any accommodations for out of town guests depending on where the wedding is taking place.
- The wedding gifts and ring for the bride.
- Flowers for the wedding including the bride’s bouquet and any boutonnières.
- The Honeymoon.
- The Marriage License and Officiant Fee.
- The Expenses for the Rehearsal Dinner.
- Wedding Attire.
- Limousine and Carriage Costs.